Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was disappointing to see the recent increase in the homeless figures, although I accept that the numbers vary from month to month. I am not convinced that everyone will be out of hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation by July. The Minister must be told that that is a very ambitious target.

I attended the launch by Respond on Grace Park Road and was very impressed. If the project could be rolled out on a temporary basis, it would give security to many people. One of the things one hears about hostels is that some people do not wish to go there for security reasons. The Respond initiative would solve many of the problems and one could then tackle the problems with drugs and mental health issues. The HAIL housing association looks after people with mental health issues. We must push such initiatives more and encourage having dedicated housing bodies to deal with issues such as addiction and mental health problems.

Is there any indication that the mortgage to rent scheme is having an impact? I hear that many people are still in trouble and that their needs are not being addressed.